Clinical Correlations: A Course Designed to Interconnect Clinical Laboratory Science

Clinical Laboratory Science, Spring 2004 by Fritsma, Margaret G, Jeff, Linda H

It is often difficult for CLS students to integrate disciplinespecific clinical and technical knowledge, as well as education, management, and research skills. We developed a course, Clinical Correlations, at the University of Alabama at Birmingham to provide opportunities to integrate this knowledge, as well as enhance problem-solving, teamwork, written communication, and oral presentation skills. The course uses a problem-based learning approach, with progressive disclosure of case information and correlation of multidiscipline laboratory testing. Teams of three to four students interpret initial clinical and laboratory information and define a preliminary course of action to investigate the case. Students research the problem, determine the laboratory data and activities needed to resolve the case, and obtain additional information as needed to evaluate and reach their conclusions. Instructor-generated questions are provided to guide the students in interpreting and correlating the information throughout the process. Each team provides an oral illustrated presentation of their case to the class, including the pathogenesis and epidemiology of the condition, the clinical symptoms, treatment, and prognosis, a detailed description of laboratory diagnostic tests and interpretation, and a question-and-answer session. A written report is also submitted. Students' abilities to integrate and correlate information are evaluated through oral presentations and written responses to questions. Problem-solving and other process skills are evaluated using rubrics for rating oral presentations and contributions to the group. Achievement of course goals has been demonstrated by above average student grades and instructor and student evaluations of student progress throughout the course.

Margaret G Fritsma MA MT(ASCP)SBB, Linda H Jeff MA MT (ASCP), University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham AL